In January 2025, wildfires burned over 40,000 acres across the Los Angeles region, destroyed more than 12,000 structures, and brought Santa Ana winds exceeding 100 mph. Eleven months later, December temperatures soared 10 to 20 degrees above normal, with climate analysts projecting the month as one of the warmest on record for the Western United States.
The back-to-back extremes have sparked what local contractors describe as a noticeable shift in homeowner awareness.
"People watched the fires unfold just miles from here, then experienced one of the warmest winters on record," said Kevin Darchuk of Attic Projects, an Orange County-based attic services company. "They're making connections they didn't make before — asking how smoke gets into homes, why some rooms won't cool down, whether their house is ready for what's next."
The concerns reflect broader challenges facing Southern California homeowners. According to data from the Orange County Assessor, approximately 36 percent of homes in the county were built before 1975 — predating modern insulation and air sealing standards. Many of these older homes have insulation that has settled, degraded, or been compromised by moisture and pests over the decades, significantly reducing its effectiveness.
At the same time, energy costs continue to climb. Industry analysts project Southern California Edison rates will increase by approximately 13 percent in 2026, adding pressure on homeowners already struggling with cooling costs during heat events. The Department of Energy estimates that proper attic insulation can reduce heating and cooling costs by up to 15 percent — savings that become increasingly significant as utility rates rise.
Building science experts say attics are often the weak link in home performance. Gaps around pipes, vents, and fixtures can allow smoke and particulates to enter living spaces during fire events. During the January wildfires, air quality monitors across the region recorded hazardous particulate levels, and homes with unsealed attic penetrations were particularly vulnerable to smoke infiltration even when windows and doors remained closed.
Inadequate insulation forces HVAC systems to work harder during temperature extremes, accelerating wear on equipment and driving up monthly bills. And extreme weather — both hot and cold — can drive rodents indoors, where they damage insulation and compromise air quality. Rodent infestations often go undetected until significant damage has occurred, as attics are rarely inspected by homeowners.
Contractors across the region report an increase in inquiries following the 2025 weather events.
"Historically, people called us when they had a problem — a rodent issue, a high energy bill, an uncomfortable room," Darchuk said. "Now we're hearing from homeowners who just want to know where they stand. They're thinking proactively."
This shift toward preventive maintenance reflects a broader trend in home resilience planning. Rather than waiting for problems to manifest, homeowners are seeking to identify vulnerabilities before the next extreme weather event arrives.
With forecasters predicting above-normal temperatures through April 2026, experts suggest homeowners evaluate attic conditions before summer arrives.
Homeowners concerned about attic performance can request inspections from licensed contractors. Many local companies, including Attic Projects, offer free assessments that evaluate the depth and condition of insulation, identify air leaks and thermal bypasses, check for signs of rodent activity or damage, and assess ventilation to prevent moisture buildup.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3B4SZayFqeY
Attic Projects, founded in 2008, serves Orange County and the surrounding areas. More information is available at atticprojectscompany.com or by calling (714) 769-0228.
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For more information about Attic Projects, contact the company here:
Attic Projects OC
Kevin Darchuk
714-464-7724
kevind@atticprojectscompany.com
1607 W Orange Grove Avenue Suite A, Orange, CA 92868
